Hungary in IFAF European Championship Group B driver’s seat after solid road win

Team Hungary used a devastating second half to pull away and defeat Team Belgium 31-7 in Beringen, Belgium and take a stranglehold on the IFAF 2020 European Championship Group B tournament.

With the win, the Hungarians avenged a loss to the Belgians three years ago, the only loss Team Hungary head coach Vilmos Grátz has suffered at the helm of the Hungarian national team.

Running back Dávid Danku scored two rushing touchdowns to pace the Hungarians while András Storcz and Ádám Elek added one each. Balázs Horváth’ kicked a field goal and two extra points while Márton Mészáros scored on a two-point conversion.

For the Belgians, running back Ruben de Ruyter scored on a 25 yard pass reception.

The Hungarians grabbed an early 3-0 first quarter lead with Horváth’s field goal (0-3). However, that was the only scoring drive in the first half since both defenses put up a solid performance. Team Hungary rookie Zoltán Golita also had an interception in the opening period.

In the third quarter, the visitors added to their advantage. Danku’s rushing touchdown made it 9-0. Although de Ruyter’s 25 yard reception narrowed the gap to 9-7, Storcz’s catch and Mészáros’ two point conversion restored the two possession lead for the visitors (7-17).

Team Hungary then pulled away before the start of the last period with Elek’s touchdown grab to make the score 24-7.

In the fourth quarter, the Barbarians were thwarted in their attempts to get back into the game. After Richárd Oláh recovered a Belgian fumble, Danku ran for his second touchdown of the game to seal the win for Hungary.

With her 31-7 road win, Hungary now sit atop of Group B in the IFAF 2020 European Championship.

The tournament will continue next year. The Hungarians face Israel and Turkey, while Belgium will play Spain and also Turkey.